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For all you lovers out there, Selena Gomez‘s new single “Love On” has officially arrived. The track dropped at 6 p.m. ET Thursday (Feb. 22), getting a six-hour jump on the traditional Friday new music model. It marks Gomez’s first release of 2024 and follows “Single Soon,” a carefree ode to independence produced by the […]
It feels like Miley Cyrus has lived a thousand lives since she first found global fame as a pre-teen. Undoubtedly one of the Disney Channel machine’s most successful alums, she’s consistently written off the world’s expectations for her life and career, reinventing herself again and again while remaining the fierce, ever-hilarious star her fans have […]
For 50 years, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester has been making timeless music that has resonated with fans.
On her 25th album, RE:VIEW, out tomorrow (Feb. 23), Manchester celebrates the golden anniversary by reinterprets some of her biggest hits, with an assist from some special friends. Dolly Parton joins her on majestic ballad “Midnight Blue,” which Manchester took to No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1975. Kenny Loggins collaborates with her on “Whenever I Call You Friend,” which the two wrote in the mid-‘70s and Loggins and Stevie Nicks had an enduring hit with in 1978.
The album includes remakes of several of her hits, including “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” for which she won a Grammy for best pop vocal performance, female, in 1983, as well as “Through the Eyes of Love,” “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “Come in From the Rain.”
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Manchester, who got her start as a member of the Harlettes, Bette Midler’s raucous back-up singers — and created the role of Maddy, Blossom’s mom on the hit ‘90s NBC sitcom, Blossom — is now playing Mrs. Brice in the North American touring company of Funny Girl.
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In an email interview with Billboard, she discussed what it was like to work with Parton, whom she calls “instantly charming and intimate,” why she re-recorded her part on “Midnight Blue” and how happy she was to finally record “Whenever I Call You Friend” with Loggins.
When “Midnight Blue” first came out in 1975, it was about a romantic relationship. You and Dolly reinterpret it as a song about a longtime platonic friendship. Why did you make the switch?
When Carole Bayer Sager and I wrote “Midnight Blue,” it was addressing our young marriages, our young husbands and our much younger selves, and how to navigate through some stormy waters. When Dolly asked me to find us something we could sing together, it occurred to me that re-framing the inner world of “Midnight Blue” as a song between two longtime friends might expand the heart of the song. I think it did.
How did Dolly get involved?
I had reached out to Dolly [and] told her that Kenny Loggins, Dave Koz and Gerald Albright would be on the album, so she’d be in very good company. She agreed.
What does she bring to the song?
Dolly brought an almost indescribable tenderness to the song. Her singing is haunting and beautiful. It touched me so much that when I first heard her performance, I was moved to go back into the studio to re-sing my part so as to match her intimate and tender quality.
You first met Dolly when she came to see you decades ago at Universal Amphitheater. What do you remember about that meeting?
Dolly came with Lily Tomlin to see a concert of mine. They came backstage — we exchanged some pleasantries, I’m sure — but truthfully, after a performance I’m a bit out of it for a while. I’m just happy someone took photos of that moment. I must say we were a fine-looking trio.
You’ve said that collaborating with Dolly “marks a special chapter in my musical journey, embodying decades of friendship, respect and artistic collaboration.” What does it mean to have her on this album as you commemorate your 50th year releasing music?
I think one of the last things one owns is the muscle of discernment, owning what you know, trusting your instincts, understanding that people will always have their opinions about what you do or what you should be doing — but, in this moment, I know what I know and I act when my spirit whispers to me. I know Dolly has that muscle times a million. She’s a professional, a creative and she trusts her instincts in a major way. That’s why it was thrilling when she said “Yes” to “Midnight Blue.
There’s a wonderful shot in the video when you pull up alongside a sightseeing bus in Nashville, and they realize it’s you two and go crazy. What was that like?
OMG! Trust me, it was all about Dolly! The busload of tourists saw her and basically drooped over the side of the bus screaming her name! Folks in cars pulled over and screamed her name! Dolly is a true and well-deserving queen.
There’s another shot where you two are drinking wine and eating. Dolly is a notoriously excellent cook. Is that her kitchen? Did she cook for you?
The studio kitchen served nicely as our kitchen. It was sweet how she so enjoyed the packaged pot roast. But she is so tiny, I thought maybe she hadn’t eaten in a while and was ravenous for anything.
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the song’s release and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard chart? Why do you think it struck such a chord and has lost none of its resonance?
For me, what’s woven into “Midnight Blue,” between the words, is the subtle weariness of life. How we were able to capture that in our twenties still touches me. Often when I’d be in Nashville, invited to a songwriter’s night at the Bluebird Cafe, and invited into the circle to perform a song, and start singing “Midnight Blue,” the audience would roar in appreciation. It struck a chord in the country music world and for that I’m grateful. And I am very grateful for how many people have told me it’s helped them through their own stormy waters over the years.
How has your relationship with the song changed over the years?
“Midnight Blue” has grown with me. I hope that I infuse the lyrics with more worldly experience and knowledge. It’s become more of an offering than a song.
As you note, the album also includes you, Kenny Loggins and Dave Koz on “Whenever I Call You Friend,” which Kenny and an uncredited Stevie Nicks took to No. 5 on the Hot 100 in 1978. Have you been waiting all this time for you and Kenny to record it together? What did you think of Kenny’s original version with Stevie?
I thought the original version of “Whenever I Call You Friend” was fine. I waited for freaking ever to re-record it with Kenny.
This is a more elaborate, jazzy arrangement. How did it come about?
I wanted to put my own stamp on it. As much as I admired his vocalese at the top of the song, I needed to find my way into the song. Once I found that phrase ‘Whenever, whenever when oh when, whenever…” I knew how to build the arrangement, with the help of my co-arranger/producer Stephan Oberhoff and associate producer Johnny Schaeffer. When Kenny heard the track, loved it and agreed to sing on it, and I reached out to my darling friend Dave Koz. I knew something great was bound to happen … and it did!
New Kids on the Block are back. The legendary boy band is all grown up and ready for another release cycle, this time through a new global recording agreement with BMG.
Through the new deal, which Billboard can exclusively confirm, NKOTB will release an eighth studio album, their first new studio LP in more than a decade, and support it with a “big” tour.
“We’re super excited to partner with our new label home BMG,” the pop group enthuses in a joint statement. “We promise 2024 is going to be a big year for NKOTB and our blockheads. New label, big tour, we are just getting started! Much more to come. Very soon. And we couldn’t have asked for a better partner than BMG to usher in this new era.”
The label deal follows a buzz of activity, which included the announcement of NKOTB’s Summer Tour 2024, a trek that features guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff and serves as a re-imagination of the Boston group’s sold-out 1990 tour of the same name.
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Soon after, the quintet celebrated the 15th anniversary of their reunion album, The Block, with special edition The Block Revisited, including remixes and guest collaborations.
Blockheads were left wondering if fresh music was on the horizon. With today’s announcement, that question is answered.
The as-yet untitled album is the followup to 2013’s 10, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, one of the group’s six top 10 appearances on the tally, a list that includes two leaders, 1988 sophomore effort Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step By Step. Career album sales top 80 million, according to BMG.
Formed in 1984 and featuring Boston natives Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood, NKOTB has landed 13 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including nine top 10 appearances and a hattrick of No. 1s: 1989’s “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” 1989’s “Hangin’ Tough” and 1990’s “Step By Step.”
“New Kids on the Block are trailblazers in the music world – creating a blueprint for not only pop music, but pop culture,” comments Cyndi Lynott, BMG senior VP, marketing, in a statement unveiling the new recording deal.
“It is an honor to be able to work with this iconic group and deliver brand new music to their passionate fanbase. BMG is full of blockheads, and we could not be more thrilled.”
Madonna, the Weeknd and Playboi Carti live the lush life in the new video for their collaboration “Popular.” The Cliqua-directed clip opens with a close-up for Madonna’s glittering grill, as she whispers, “I’ve seen the devil/ Down Sunset/ In every place/ In every face,” while the camera cuts to a shot of a lush hillside […]
Like most Swifties, Gayle couldn’t help but gush about Taylor Swift several times during a recent conversation about music.
While speaking to Interview in a Wednesday (Feb. 21) Q&A, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter – who opened for Swift during several Eras Tour stops in North America last year – shared that she thinks the “Anti-Hero” singer is the undeniable Queen of Pop.
“Taylor Swift is the queen of everything,” Gayle told the publication, noting that the 14-time Grammy winner was her top artist of 2023.
The “Abcdefu” musician also revealed that a song she wishes she wrote is the 34-year-old pop star’s 2014 hit “Wildest Dreams,” and opened up about the turmoil of choosing a favorite Swift era. “Reputation and Folklore are constantly fighting each other in my heart — but also, 1989,” she said.
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Gayle is fresh off the Valentine’s Day release of her new single with Royal & the Serpent, “Kinda Smacks.” In addition to supporting Swift’s trek, the Nashville artist also opened for P!nk’s Summer Carnival run last year before embarking on her own Scared But Trying headlining tour. This summer, she’ll reunite with the “So What” singer for a string of shows in Europe.
In December, Gayle opened up about how she signed on to the Eras Tour after meeting her idol for the first time. “[Swift] was like, ‘What are you doing next year?’ I was so nervous,” she recalled in an interview with NBC News Now. “I was like, ‘Yes, ma’am, I’m doing music next year.’”
“And she’s like, ‘OK, do you tour?’ I was like, ‘Yes, ma’am, I tour,’” Gayle continued. “And then she was like, ‘Well, do you open up for people?’ And I don’t know why I said this, […] I was like, ‘I open up for people who ask me to open up for them.’”
The season of the sticks just keeps on giving. To celebrate this year’s Record Store Day, Noah Kahan and Olivia Rodrigo have announced a special vinyl package featuring both artists’ covers of each other’s songs — “Stick Season” and “Lacy,” respectively — on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. The announcement comes five months after […]
Bobby Caldwell’s classic “What You Won’t Do for Love” zooms in at No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart dated Feb. 24 following a new, largely food-based trend on the platform.
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The TikTok Billboard Top 50 is a weekly ranking of the most popular songs on TikTok in the United States based on creations, video views and user engagement. The latest chart reflects activity Feb. 12-18. Activity on TikTok is not included in Billboard charts except for the TikTok Billboard Top 50. As previously noted, titles that are part of Universal Music Group’s catalog are currently unavailable on TikTok.
“What You Won’t Do for Love,” Caldwell’s breakout hit and a No. 9-peaking track on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, debuts atop the TikTok Billboard Top 50 thanks to a trend wherein users film food items they love set to the song’s horn riff.
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Other creators have taken the trend a step further, replacing footage of food with pets or significant others.
The latest Billboard chart tracking week (Feb. 9-15) saw “What You Won’t Do for Love” lift 8% in on-demand official U.S. streams to 1.3 million in all, according to Luminate.
Caldwell reigns over Cat Janice’s “Dance You Outta My Head,” the previous week’s No. 1, which falls to No. 2, one spot ahead of Usher’s “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris.
“Yeah!,” which debuted at No. 30 on the previous survey (Feb. 17), vaults into the top three thanks in large part to renewed attention on the song – and Usher’s catalog as a whole – after his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance on Feb. 11. One of the top-performing uploads, from social media personality Katie Feeney, was a supercut of different celebrities who attended the Super Bowl. Other videos referenced the R&B star’s performance or the game as a whole, which was won by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Usher appears on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 dated Feb. 24 three times in all. Chris Brown’s “New Flame,” on which Usher is featured alongside Rick Ross, debuts at No. 20, while Usher’s own “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” featuring Plies, re-enters the ranking at No. 48.
Rounding out the chart’s top five, Rich Amiri’s “One Call” drops from No. 3 to No. 4, while He Is We’s “I Wouldn’t Mind” returns to the top five at No. 5, rising from No. 7.
Djo’s “End of Beginning” is the second-biggest debut of the week after “What You Won’t Do for Love,” bowing at No. 11. A snippet of the song, originally released in 2022, has gone viral on TikTok after creators began using the track’s “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it” line to soundtrack footage of Chicago or other posts about the Windy City.
https://www.tiktok.com/@djo_time/video/7333805079377562926
Djo himself – real name Joe Keery, best known as an actor whose credits include Stranger Things, Fargo and more – got in on the action with an upload of him riding the subway while referencing the song’s sudden surge in popularity.
Concurrently, “End of Beginning” debuts at No. 28 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart via 2.9 million official U.S. streams, a boost of 191%.
Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” boasts the third-biggest TikTok Billboard Top 50 debut, starting at No. 13. Released during the Super Bowl on Feb. 11, the country tune has already inspired a variety of dance clips on TikTok, as well as users reacting to Beyonce’s country turn (she released a second song in the genre, “16 Carriages,” the same day).
“Texas Hold ‘Em” debuts at No. 2 on the Hot 100 (and No. 1 on Hot Country Songs) while “16 Carriages” starts at No. 38 (and No. 9), as previously reported.
See the full TikTok Billboard Top 50 here. You can also tune in each Friday to SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio (channel 4) to hear the premiere of the chart’s top 10 countdown at 3 p.m. ET, with reruns heard throughout the week.
The 1975 will be taking a break at the end of its Still at Their Very Best Tour, but fans needn’t worry – the band won’t be gone for long. While performing at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England, Wednesday (Feb. 21), Matty Healy said that new music was just around the corner – and to prove it, he played a snippet of an unreleased song for the crowd.
Speaking about the approaching end of his and his bandmates’ European tour, Healy said, “The truth is, everyone’s kind of afraid that we’re going to go away for ages.”
“We’re working on a new record now,” he continued, sitting behind a piano onstage. “I just need to stop for, like, a minute.”
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The “Somebody Else” singer went on to spontaneously pull out his phone and hold its speaker up to his microphone, then played a few seconds of a vibrant, up-tempo track that began with a countdown. He went on to seemingly share a lyric that related back to his need to take a break after tour, telling fans, “It’s a line actually, what is it … ‘I take a minute when I think I won’t die from stopping.’”
“And that’s really how I’ve felt for a long time,” Healy added. “We really appreciate you guys and thank you so much. We’re going to go away and hopefully make you a good new album. I just don’t know what to do in the meantime, really.”
Billboard has reached out to the band’s reps for more information.
The Manchester band’s stop in Birmingham marked its last show in the U.K. this tour. Healy, guitarist Adam Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald and drummer George Daniel will continue performing through Europe for the next month – with dates planned in Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and more – before closing out the Still at Their Very Best trek March 24 with a concert in Amsterdam.
The 1975 has been touring since late 2022 in support of its fifth studio album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. The group started with a nine-month run dubbed the At Their Very Best Tour, which lasted through mid-August 2023, before immediately embarking on another sweep of North America and Europe for the Still at Their Very Best Tour.
Watch Healy discuss new music and play part of an unreleased song below.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift didn’t waste any time doing some classic couple stuff ahead of the singer’s upcoming run of Eras Tour shows in Sydney, Australia. According to News.com.au, after the Kansas City Chiefs tight end landed down under on Wednesday, he and Swift took a trip to the Sydney Zoo on Thursday (Feb. […]